Heroin is a powerfully addictive semi-synthetic opioid that can rapidly provoke dependence and addiction. Once the body becomes accustomed to regular heroin use, stopping or reducing intake can lead to the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be physically and emotionally distressing, making it almost impossible for individuals to quit without professional intervention.
This page outlines what’s involved in heroin withdrawal, from a typical timeline to the most common symptoms and available treatment options.
What is Heroin Withdrawal?
When someone uses heroin regularly, their body adjusts to the drug’s presence. The brain starts relying on opioids to regulate pain, mood, and other core functions. If use suddenly stops, the body finds it hard to regain balance, leading to the presentation of withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be mild or more severe, depending on the scope and duration of use. The process can feel overpowering and intensely uncomfortable, but proper medical and emotional supervision can streamline the detox process.
Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms from heroin usually appear within hours of the last use. Dosage, frequency of use, and overall health impact the intensity. Some of the most common symptoms experienced include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Mood changes
- Intense cravings
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
Although heroin withdrawal is seldom fatal, dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea can become dangerous without clinical oversight.
Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
Although everyone goes through heroin withdrawal differently, a typical timeline unfolds as follows:
- 6 to 12 hours: Early symptoms manifest, including sweating, anxiety, and muscle aches.
- 1 to 3 days: Heroin withdrawal symptoms peak, feeling like a bad case of flu. Symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and body aches. People also encounter powerful cravings to use the drug.
- 5 to 7 days: Symptoms start subsiding, although cravings, depression, and fatigue may persist.
- Weeks to months after discontinuation: Some people experience PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome), characterized by ongoing depression, anxiety, and cravings.
The worst symptoms of heroin withdrawal last less than a week, but the emotional impact can linger. Support during this time strengthens the likelihood of ongoing abstinence after detox.
The Risks of Quitting Heroin Alone
Heroin withdrawal is tricky to endure without assistance. The intense discomfort leads many people to relapse just to stop the symptoms. Other risks of undergoing withdrawal from heroin without medical intervention include:
- Severe dehydration: Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause dangerous fluid loss.
- Heart complications: Withdrawal can raise heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of complications.
- Mental health complications: Depression and anxiety during withdrawal can prompt suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
- Overdose risk: If someone relapses after withdrawal, their tolerance is lower, so they are at heightened risk of life-threatening overdose.
Medical detox can help mitigate most of these risks and make the heroin withdrawal process safer and more comfortable. Detox also acts as a bridge to ongoing inpatient or outpatient treatment to tackle the psychological aspect of opioid addiction.
Medically Supervised Detox for Heroin Withdrawal
Medical detox provides a closely supervised environment where medical professionals can manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. A team of doctors and nurses monitors vital signs, prevents complications, and provides medications to ease symptoms.
Some of the medications used in detox include:
- Methadone: This long-acting opioid has been used for decades to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in those discontinuing the use of opioids like heroin.
- Buprenorphine: A partial agonist, buprenorphine lessens the symptoms of withdrawal without producing a euphoric high.
- Clonidine: This non-opioid helps address anxiety, sweating, and high blood pressure.
- Anti-nausea and pain medications: Relieves stomach issues and muscle pain.
Medical detox can make the withdrawal process more bearable and increase the chances of a successful transition into addiction treatment.
Treatment After Detox
Detox helps combat physical dependence, but it does not deal with the reasons driving heroin use. Relapse is common without further treatment.
Inpatient or outpatient rehab
Residential treatment provides a structured and immersive environment in which those fighting severe heroin addictions can access medical care, therapy, and support groups. Inpatient rehab is also advisable for those with unstable homes or co-occurring mental health conditions.
People with milder addictions who cannot commit to residential rehab often find that outpatient programs provide sufficient support for them to move beyond heroin abuse without neglecting their everyday obligations.
MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
Medications like methadone or buprenorphine can help alleviate the intensity of cravings and prevent relapse. MAT is typically blended with talk therapy and counseling for best results.
Counseling and therapy
Behavioral therapies help people understand addictions, identify what triggers drug use, and develop healthy coping techniques. Approaches commonly used include:
- CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy): Helps alter negative patterns of thinking and behaving.
- DBT (dialectical behavior therapy): Improves emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
- Group therapy: Provides peer support and accountability.
Support groups
NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and other 12-step or non-12-step programs like SMART Recovery offer community support and encouragement for those in ongoing recovery from heroin addiction.
How to Help a Loved One Going Through Heroin Withdrawal
Watching someone battle heroin withdrawal can be heartbreaking, but there are some simple steps to help a loved one through this demanding process.
- Encourage professional help: Medical detox and treatment increase the chances of success.
- Be patient and understanding: Withdrawal is physically and emotionally draining. Offer reassurance.
- Provide comfort: Help the person with basic needs like food, hydration, and a safe, supportive environment.
- Avoid judgment: Addiction is a chronic and relapsing medical condition, not a choice or a lack of willpower. Show support rather than blame.
- Stay informed: Learn as much as possible about withdrawal and treatment options to be a stronger source of support as your loved one transitions from opioid dependence to sober living.
Break Free from Heroin Addiction at Tree House Recovery
Heroin withdrawal is remarkably challenging, but it’s the first fundamental step to a substance-free life. The discomfort of opioid withdrawal is temporary, but the benefits delivered by quitting are enduring.
Recovery is achievable with the proper treatment and support, and we can help you or a loved one at Tree House Recovery. We offer detox services to streamline the heroin withdrawal process and a variety of outpatient programs to help people set a firm foundation for lifelong abstinence from opioids like heroin.
When you’re ready to take action, get immediate assistance and evidence-based support by calling (855) 202-2138.
